Chapter 7

Once introduced to the kittens the following morning, Rini squealed with delight as she knelt before a very proud Luna and noble looking Artemis. She was overjoyed and instantly made claim to all the kittens, only to have her hopes crushed by her father's words, telling her she could only keep one of them. He pointed out that they already had one too many cats, and all they ever did was tear up the place. Fortunately, though, they had an offer to accept the remaining kittens. Diamond had fallen in love with the little fur-balls the moment he laid eyes on the purring assembly and offered to take in the ones they couldn't keep. Since he lived close by, he promised Rini that she could visit the kittens whenever she liked.

Three months had passed, the kittens, were now old enough to leave their mother. Shortly thereafter, Diamond drove over to pick them up and took them in. He had purchased Wicca sleeping baskets and other accouterments to make the kittens transition a comfortable one. His family used the occasion to celebrate the new fur lined additions to the household and decided to hold a barbecue at their cottage the following night. Diamond eagerly invited Darien and Rini to their get-together.

Serena, who was expecting a quiet night alone in her room, was surprised when Diamond handed her a nicely scripted invitation. He told her his parents were absolutely dieing to meet the woman he spoke of so often. A soft blush rose to her pale cheeks at that moment. For a teenager, he was certainly a sweetheart. Serena graciously accepted.

Later that night after the evening meal and the usual nightly rituals were complete and her time was her own, she had rushed straight upstairs to pick out an outfit for the barbecue the following night. She wanted to make a good impression on the young mans parents, hoping she could live up to all their expectations of her.

She had decided on a short black cotton summer-dress for the evening. Since winter was just around the corner, she would wear a white sweater and the black Eskimo boots she had recently purchased at Bakers. They were fur lined. Soft furry fibers protruded from the calf-length boots. Satisfied with her choice of apparel, she headed for Rini's room to help pick out her clothing. In the end, they decided on a baby-pink shirt with purple floral motifs embossed into the fabric, and a pair of faded jeans.

Darien, not so enthused would put on whatever he felt most comfortable. He couldn't see why they were making such a big deal out of such a small family function. He rolled his eyes at their antics and they completely ignored his bemused behavior.

The next day, just as they were about to leave to for the barbecue, Serena thought Darien's outfit seemed too over the top for what he had only the night before dismissed as an insignificant social occasion.

"Didn't you say yesterday that you were going to wear whatever was comfortable?" Serena said with a mischievous smile, unable to resist pointing out.

"I am wearing whatever… I can't help it if wardrobe is of high standard," he retorted assuming his usual arrogant demeanor and then with a toss of the head dismissed her and walked through the back door into the garden with Rini, confusing poor Serena.

"Darien, where are you going, the car is parked in front of the house." Serena inquired tersely.

"I'm glad to know you are familiar enough with the property to guess the location of the car! Now, how about you tell me in what part of the house the food can be found."

"Ha, ha…Darien you're quite the comedian, but I'm serious. Why are we in your backyard, Darien? I don't want to be late for the barbecue…I'm starving."

"I can't figure out why you're starving…you just ate a bus load of junk food! If you're not to careful you're going to become fat."

"That'll never happen. I have a good metabolism," She quipped, sticking her tongue out at him. "Now answer my question!" Darien couldn't help but let out a muffled chuckle. She was extremely cute when in a playful mood.

"Diamond's family doesn't live too far from the estate. It would be a waste of time taking the car when their house is just a few minutes away on foot."

No sooner had he completed his sentence, the house came into view. It was your typical rustic layback house -- small, white, with a huge red barn. Serena gazed at it intently. If she had her way in the beginning, she would have preferred to live life with her family in a house such as this. Just Darien, herself and Rini, nestled in a quiet secluded setting away from the stress of city life, and especially Darien's mother. Sighing dejectedly, she walked towards the house behind Rini and Darien.

Diamond's mother greeted them graciously. She hugged Rini and extended a warm hand to Serena then Darien before leading them inside. She introduced herself to Serena as Amy Stratford and offered to show Serena around her humble abode. From the moment, Serena had set foot inside the surprisingly attractive atrium with its walnut paneling that also lined the study. She led Serena down the hallway, all the while Amy did nothing but praise her. This overly friendly attention made Serena a little uncomfortable. She was getting quite flustered and began to blush uncontrollably.

This woman had instantly placed Serena on some kind of pedestal. Serena couldn't help but wonder what dear Amy would think if she knew her true identity and cringed mentally every time Amy addressed her as Lillian. She had no desire to deceive these nice people, they deserved better than that, but what else could she do given her current situation.

Amy quickly introduced Serena to the rest of the family. Firstly, her husband, Greg, who was as gentle and kind as was his wife. They had five children together; Diamond the oldest of three boys, his brothers Alexander and Shane standing in a circle with their sisters, Margaret and Ruby. Serena loved the idea of naming the oldest and youngest child after beautiful gemstones. They all took after their parents in beauty and character. 'Some people have the best of luck,' Serena thought to herself enviously. If only her dreams had come true, then she would have the family she had always longed for, Love the source of their strength and unity. A love so powerful, they needed little else.

Serena shook herself from what she considered selfish thoughts. The past unalterable, all she could do now was focus on her future with her daughter.

Serena was enjoying the colorful conversation with the Stratford family. They hadn't a dull bone in their bodies, and always managed to keep everyone entertained and on their toes. Dinner was a delight. Greg made wonderful BBQ ribs. Amy pitched in with a scrumptious potato salad. Alexander and Shane added some mouthwatering macaroni and cheese. And little Margaret and Ruby, with Diamonds help made the most delectable cake Serena had ever tasted. Overall, Serena's taste buds were soaring. After Dinner, they all retreated into the house and sat in the living room for coffee while the children scurried off to play with the cats.

"Darien, where is Anne these days? She usually follows you around like a love sick puppy." Amy asked out of nowhere in a curious tone.

"She and I are no longer seeing one another. As it seems she and I don't quite see eye-to-eye." Darien answered politely as he sipped from his cup.

"Hmm…that's interesting, I wonder why?" Amy said, her curiosity getting the better of her, and shot Serena a knowing glance.

Darien's face darkened slightly as he caught the look Amy gave Serena. He was almost certain Amy suspected Serena had something to do with his breakup with Ann, so he did the only thing he could at that moment, change the subject, "Diamond's about to turn 18 soon. Any plans for college?"

"I don't know yet. I kind of want to stay close to home, so any local college will do." Diamond replied scratching the back of his head in thought.

Amy of course would have none of Darien's side tracking. She wanted details on what she thought was happening between Serena and himself "I don't think you've ever had such an attractive nanny before, Darien? And she's lasted far longer than any of the others."

"Well, she does a good job."

"Greg wouldn't you agree that she's his prettiest nanny?" Amy pressed, not so subtly seeking reinforcements to support her argument. Greg answered with a simple nod of the head. Serena's face slowly began to resemble a ripe strawberry.

"Actually, I find her rather plain," Darien quipped, hoping to extinguish the subject, but only set it ablaze.

"Plain," Serena squealed, she was a lot of things but plain certainly wasn't one of them "I've never ever been described as plain in my life!"

"Well…aren't you a tad conceited? There's a first time for everything…maybe you ought to get used to it, because you might be hearing it for some time to come!" Darien's heart stabbing sarcasm cut deeper than any knife and she visibly winced. All she could do was stare blankly at him. 'Who the hell does he think he is, anyway?' She thought angrily to herself.

Serena promptly excused herself, and walked out intent on returning immediately to the mansion and get as far away from Darien as possible.

She had walked all but half way to the gate when a hand gripped her elbow firmly from behind. She didn't have to turn around to recognize its owner. Tugging fiercely, she attempted to break free and only succeeded in losing her footing and fell straight into Darien's arms.

"Don't tell me you were offended," he whispered in her ear, his lips lightly brushing against her skin.

"And what if I was?" she whispered back angrily trying desperately to hold in the urge to shiver, his warm breathe was lightly tickling the nape of her neck.

"Then I'd say you are gullible and childish."

"I AM NOT!"

"Then what do you call that performance you just pulled off in there?"

"You're the one who started it."

"True, but I wasn't the one acting childishly like you…I was simply trying to get them out of my hair. I'm tired of Amy pushing her way into my love life," he said, his hands gliding down her sides appreciatively. "Besides, how could I ever find you plain?" His voice fell to a lower and huskier tone as he continued whispering to her. "When I find you completely and utterly…hideous."

"What?" She squeaked, firmly elbowing him in the gut to loosen his grip. He managed a laugh despite the fact he was in serious pain.

"I was only joking, Lilly."

"Well, tell your jokes to some one who actually finds them funny," she shot back, squaring her shoulders and holding her head high before turning on her heel and walking back to the mansion. As she moved briskly along the well-worn stone path that led to a gazebo where she often sat reading with Rini, she thanked the lord that Darien always revealed his true colors, instantly making Serena re-focus on her prime objective. He would distract her and fill her with doubt, only to set her back on her goal. She couldn't have been happier when the mansion came into view. She needed a delicious home-baked chocolate chip cookie to calm her nerves.

Once having set foot inside the house, she headed straight for the kitchen as if she owned it. Serena rummaged through the cupboard and found the cookie-jar filled to the brim with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and commenced to stuff them down her throat like a starving little rabbit.

"Did they not feed you enough at the barbecue?"

Serena nearly dropped her cookies in surprise, immediately recognizing the masculine voice and turned to face him, "Andrew, what the hell are you doing here!" she mumbled, managing to make herself understood despite the fact her mouth was stuffed with cookies. She had acquired this talent in her youth. Setting the jar aside she quickly brushed away the crumbs that clung to her dress, she quickly regained her composure.

Andrew gave her an amused look, "Actually…I came to see you, Lillian. I was about to give up. I came over with the expressed intention of surprising you with a dinner invitation. I had believed my good intentions were destined to come to nothing. Lita was kind enough to offer me coffee before I went home and cut my losses."

Serena chanced a look over her shoulder and noticed Lita sitting by the coffee table avoiding her gaze. Serena turned her attention back to Andrew, "And just my luck, as I'm about to leave, you pop in like a starved maniac…so, how about it, Lillian? You feeling up to a night out?"

"Um…" Serena didn't know what to do. She did need to take her mind off Darien and his arrogant, bipolar tendencies. But she also didn't want to lead Andrew on. But it was only a friendly invitation and she could make sure he understood it was definitely not a date.

Confident in her ability to handle the situation, she wavered, "okay, I've been meaning to get to know this town a little better anyways. An evening with a friend couldn't hurt." She made sure to emphasize the word -- friend -- so he could take the hint. He smiled gently, his eyes shining with excitement. After saying goodbye to Lita, they left the mansion arm-in-arm.

They drove into the city and made a night of it: eating, dancing, and just walking around enjoying each other's company amidst the picture-perfect township, its parks and the other important landmarks – all these he explained to Serena who smiled and listened with great interest. In Andrew, Serena saw a great friend. They were so caught up, they had hardly noticing the time slipping away until they were sipping a café latte at an outdoor street café and heard the distinct tones of the town clock chimed its imminent approach to the hour. It was almost two in the morning and everything was closing down for the night. Andrew reluctantly took her back to the mansion. He was enough of a gentleman to walk her to the door, and kissed her upon the cheek as a parting gesture.

Serena walked into the house with a certain glazed look in her eyes, thinking about all the fun she had with Andrew. That of course, didn't last long. Once standing at the foot of the stairs, and looked to the landing above, she noticed a dark figure sitting on the top step. Instantly, she knew who it was -- the only party-pooper living in this house.

"What do you want, Darien?" Serena spat as she tried to pass him on the stairs, only to have him follow her.

"Where were you?" He demanded his voice gruff from lack of sleep.

"I don't see how that's any of your business. I was out."

"It's nearly three in the morning and your living in my house…therefore it is my business."

"Fine then, Andrew took me into the city…satisfied now Darien?"

"Andrew! What were you doing out with Andrew? I thought we already talked about this, Lillian." Darien yelled, outraged.

"No, you dictated…I ignored," she answered back with a smile on her face.

"I forbid you to see him anymore, Lillian. For god sakes, I work with the man." He snapped angrily as he cornered her at her bedroom door.

"First of all, who are you to forbid me to do anything, and second…who gives a rats ass whether you work with him or not. It has nothing to do with you."

"It has everything to do with me."

"Care to explain why." She asked, lifting a perfectly plucked eyebrow. Her answer was more than she had been expecting. Darien's lips crashed over hers fiercely, breaking her resolve, molding her into whatever he chose. Darien's large body pushed her petite frame against the door as his hand slid around the doorknob, twisting it open causing them both to stumble into her bedroom. His lips sensually manipulated hers, coaxing her to forget about everything else but him. He evoked in her at that moment the most scintillating sensations as lust over whelmed her. They had somehow made it to the bed and tumbled onto the soft mattress. Darien's kisses left her flush, her pulse racing, and his touch setting her aflame with desire. He marred the delicate column of her neck with his fevered kisses. Their torrent passions for one another alight into a blaze. Serena submitted into by pressing her body into his earning for his heat, he moaned gruffly into her mouth.

Serena moaned with ecstasy as his hands languidly made their way over her shirt, as one large hand cupped her breast everything came crashing down. This was Darien, the love of her life. But he no longer deserved such love. She pushed him away with all the strength she could summon, screaming for him to stop his assault on her resolve.

He took in her large doe-eyes glaring at him as she tried to gather the little dignity she had left.

"Why are you taunting me, Darien?" She spoke in a cold and callous tone. "One minute you're describing me as hideous, and then you're prohibiting me from seeing other men. Next, you're kissing me as if there is no tomorrow. You have no right and no claim over me, Darien. The sooner you get it through your thick skull, the happier we'll all be. I don't want anything to do with you, not after--" Serena caught herself before she could finish the sentence. She had almost revealed her identity, and hoped he hadn't noticed her slip-up.

Finally, she looked up into his eyes, startled by what lay within those pools of ocean-blue. She could see an incredible amount of hurt gathering within those eyes. She could only wonder where it came from. The look made her want to apologize, but she held back the urge. It had to be this way. It was better if they hated each other, for everything was easier this way. For a brief moment, Serena thought he would stomp out of her room and refuse to speak to her again. But Darien, of course, always found a way to surprise her. His look had changed completely and he assumed a playful disposition.

"In your dreams, Lilly," he stated calmly.

"In my dreams…what?"

"You must be dreaming if you truly believe I have no claim on you. I have more than you think. Little bunny can run, but never hide. See you in the morning, rabbit," and with that, he as tranquilly as a monk walked out of her room. Serena sat on her bed stunned and speechless. Not only had he left her completely sexually frustrated. This man could always confuse her, knowing all too well how in the early stages of their relationship how he ran circles around her. But she'd be damned if she let him get the upper hand this time.

WOW! It's been a couple of months… hehehe. Yeah I know you all want to wring my neck so I made sure this chapter was juicy for you. The chapters to come should be good. I have a lot more time now that I finally took my college board. I did okay pretty average but since my GPA is so high I got a good chance of getting into my first choice University. And since a nice long winter break is coming up soon I can relax and focus a little more on updating chapters. Next I would like to give some nice little acknowledgments to the people who reviewed and the people whom had to wait so long for a new chapter. Thanks you for everything without readers what is a story. Also big round of applause for my EDITOR LOKI-SAMA much love to him and he's talent and effort that goes into this story. He's what makes this story so great as well. It's a beautiful partnership between reader, editor, and writer. Peace and I love you all.

PS: thanks for pointing out the mistake I made with Serena and Lilly's mix up. It's hard sometimes to keep track of that. And I re-read beforeI submittedI don't know how it passed me. It's probably because i know how it's suppose to go soI read it the wayI know it's suppose tobe. Anyways i fixed it... I think... THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR POINTING IT OUT reallysorry for the mistake.